Call for GM crops to be used to offset rising animal feed costs in EU

GENETICALLY modified crops should be used to offset rising animal feed costs in the EU, thereby reducing consumer prices and easing pressure on struggling pig farmers, says MEP Jim Higgins.

The North West MEP said that the Environment Council should look at the cultivation of GMOs as a viable food source, citing the huge pressure being faced by the pig sector due to rising input costs.

Mr Higgins said: “The monthly feed bill for the Irish sow herd of 150,000 sows was €19 million in January 2010. That fee had risen to €24.7 million by January of this year. A world-wide reduction in cereal output has been blamed for the price hike. One local producer in my north-west constituency suffered a €50,000 rise to the monthly feed bill in the space of six months.”

He said GM crops are not needed to feed people, but can play an important role in ensuring that producers and consumers are protected from rising costs. He says that pig production jobs could be saved by a relaxation of the EU’s stance on GM content in animal feeds.

Mr Higgins said: “Pig production is huge business in the Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal and Longford regions. It is estimated that a 10% drop in herd numbers would translate to the loss of around 750 rural jobs in these areas. Local industries drive local economies and urgent action must be taken to protect the related jobs.

“The Environment Council will today hear progress on proposals to allow Member States to restrict or ban GMO’s . . . it is important to remember that EU GM regulations are amongst the strictest in the world and no adverse health effects have been discovered in US, Canada or in Latin America when opening the consumer market to GM food.”